Demonstrations were staged by the DMK, its allies Congress, IUML and friendly parties like MDMK, VCK, CPI, CPI(M) and MMK in several parts of the state and neighbouring Puducherry.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami confirmed reports about the death of nine people in "police action", while reports claimed many, including policemen, were injured in clashes.
Party workers took to the streets in parts of the state to protest the selection of candidates, alleging nepotism as Congress has retained 103 of its 122 candidates instead of giving preference to new faces.
The Congress will observe the Black Day across the nation today to protest rising crimes against women under the BJP rule in the country.
After leading anti-IPL protests in the backdrop of the Cauvery issue last week, pro-Tamil outfit Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) today warned of intensifying its agitation, including holding protests at the Marina here.
"We have substantial proof that money and liquor was distributed late night and early morning before the protests, with the motive of stoking tension," the senior police official said.
The Bharat Bandh, called by various Dalit groups and backed by various political outfits, demanded restoration of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in its original form.
Amid tight security arrangements, the Dalits held protests at Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Bathinda, Amritsar and Ferozepur in Punjab against the dilution of the Act.
Several Dalit organisations have called for a 'Bharat bandh' today to express their concerns over the "dilution" of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Tensions escalated across nation as protests against SC/ST Act ruling turned violent on Monday.
26-year-old Dilip Saroj succumbed to his injuries two days after he was beaten with a hockey stick, iron rod and bricks by a group following an altercation outside a restaurant.
As a precautionary measure, security has been tightened in different parts of the country. The Karni Sena has given a call for 'Bharat Bandh' today.
The states claimed that section 6 of the Cinematograph Act empowers them to stop exhibition of any controversial movie on the grounds of possible violation of law and order.
The protesters were seen burning tyres and indulging in vandalism, further blocking the roads causing traffic jam in various parts.
A huge protest broke loose near the hotel where the Indian national cricketers were being put after clothing brand H&M had advertised a controversial product.
Top News
Latest News
